Our advocacy work is what transforms the industry. Changing policy is an equitable way to provide access to green building design and benefits to a greater scope, not just those who choose to opt-in. Massachusetts is a leader in the national market and we purpose our community to educate policymakers on green building issues to help support outcomes which support our mission and the communities we serve.

We convene stakeholders to promote green building (and sustainable community) friendly legislation, initiatives, and local regulations. If you are interested in getting involved in advocacy, please visit our advocacy committee page to connect.

Current priorities on the statewide front include the following issues:

The Chapter’s efforts to advocate for NZEB include collaborating with organizations and companies that support NZEB Legislation, such as the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership, MassSave, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and providing educational materials to chapter members, local and state legislators and the public. The chapter also prepares to testify and organize testimony for legislative hearings. Our Advocacy Committee focuses on expanding our network of support around NZEB and is specifically focusing on supporting enhanced Code Legislation and municipal net-zero action plans in 2017.

The chapter is currently working to understand the implications of cities and towns in the Commonwealth developing net-zero action plans for their communities. We are working with several municipalities which are interested in incorporating NZEB. The chapter is developing resources, providing education and reaching out to regulatory agencies as necessary.

Background

In September 2015, the Department of Energy finally established a formal definition for net-zero. The DOE defines NZEB’s as, “a zero energy building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own annual energy consumption requirements, thereby reducing the use of non-renewable energy in the building sector.” Furthermore, according to the Buildings, Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management Implementation Subcommittee, buildings in Massachusetts consume over half of the state’s energy and are responsible for 49% of the state’s GHG emissions, with more than 21% coming from direct fuel use. Such high energy use contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental and social effects. However, with a clear definition and collaborative approach we can rally around our mission and goals to achieve net zero energy buildings.

Primary Legislation

Bill S.1849: An Act transitioning Massachusetts to 100 percent renewable energy (Sponsored by James B. Eldridge and 18 others) This bill aims to “steadily transition the commonwealth to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2050 in order to (1) avoid pollution of our air, water and land, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately eliminate our use of fossil fuels and other polluting and dangerous forms of energy,” as well as increase economic development, job creation, energy security, and quality of life in the state. It requires the state to get all of its electricity from renewables by 2035 and for all heating, transportation and other sectors would to be powered by renewable energy by 2050.

The bill also requires the state to work with the administrative council for the clean energy transition and the clean energy center of excellence to create effective net zero energy building policies (also known as zero net energy building policy) that, among other things, will require all new buildings in Massachusetts to be 100% net zero by 2030 and for all existing buildings to cut emissions by half within the same time. Overall, this bill would strengthen the state’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change while promoting sustainability throughout the built environment.

Bill S.1881: An Act relative to energy efficiency improvements (Sponsored by Senator Michael J. Rodrigues and 5 others) Creates a residential sustainable energy program to provide financing to residential property owners for energy efficient and renewable energy improvements under the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency and Department of Energy Resources.

Bill H.1763: An Act creating a green bank to promote clean energy in Massachusetts (Sponsored by Representative Paul W. Mark and 22 others) This bill establishes an MA green energy development bank. The bank will evaluate and coordinate financing for energy improvements and energy technologies throughout the commonwealth, offer loans, and help transition the state to a clean energy economy while encouraging job growth and reducing fossil fuel use.

Bill S.1698: An Act promoting the use of total energy impact analysis (Senator James B. Eldridge) This bill would amend the MA General Law to require new construction or major renovation projects of state buildings to measure the energy implications of all resources used. This bill would require a total life cycle energy analysis of such buildings, including electricity, water, transportation, materials, heating, and waste, in addition to the life cycle cost analysis. This bill is currently in the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Financing: This extra step to net zero signifies a transformation toward a more sustainable and green market in the built community, but potentially a costly one. However, financing options for NZEB are expanding at the State level, providing programs such as The Pathways to Zero Net Energy Program. This $3.5 million initiative by DOER is designed to facilitate a transition to the next generation of high-performance buildings in Massachusetts. Projects are utilizing energy best practices such as proper building orientations, well-insulated and air-tight building envelopes, solar thermal, and heat pumps.

An additional financing option for building and property owners interested in improving their energy efficiency and/or starting a renewable energy project is the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, which is another USGBC MA Chapter local priority that we are glad to say was signed into law in July 2016 and will be available soon.

LEED: USGBC promotes the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for the planning of design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings. Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) go one step further, striving for 100% renewable energy generation for the building’s total energy consumption. The MA state energy code is expected to decrease building energy use over time to a level that will allow a feasible next step to NZEB. However, thus energy reduction timeline does not coordinate with the 2030 net zero targets proposed in by the 2030 challenge supported by the chapter.

Net Metering: Statewide net metering caps on renewable energy and distributed generation also pose a problem for developers and investors to commit to NZEB projects. Net metering is another USGBC MA Priority, and we support the current net metering legislation which works to address the limitations caused by the current caps, particularly on solar. The USGBC MA Board has endorsed the Net Generation Solar Policy Framework for Massachusetts (NGSPFM), which aims “to preserve the best elements of the Commonwealth’s nation-leading solar energy programs.”

Greenbuild 2016 – At the 2016 Greenbuild conference, the world’s largest green building conference, officials discussed California’s net-zero building goals and achievements. In 2008, California set goals to get all residential buildings to zero net energy by 2020, all commercial buildings and half of the existing buildings to ZNE by 2030. USGBC MA hopes to push Massachusetts’ regulations in a similar direction to helped lead net zero nationally.

Greenbuild Special Set: F01 – From California Dreamin’ to ZNE Reality in the Golden State

Massachusetts Net Zero Energy Building Council (Task Force): The Council’s recommendations are designed to move the Commonwealth toward NZEB construction by 2030 and include the following four categories: 1) Establishment of minimum performance standards based on energy use per sq/ft; 2) Energy use benchmarking of all buildings; 3) Incentives to help address regulatory and financial barriers; and 4) Workforce development and public education initiatives. We are currently waiting on updates on the Council’s 2009 recommendations.

MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA): EOEEA oversees both environmental and energy agencies to preserve open space and working landscapes; enforce pollution laws; review the environmental impact of major real estate and infrastructure developments; enhance the state’s role in energy conservation and production, and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and access at the parks, beaches, and farms that make Massachusetts such a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP): NEEP was founded in 1996 as a non-profit whose mission is to serve the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to accelerate energy efficiency in the building sector through public policy, program strategies, and education. Their vision is to embrace energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainable energy policy and to help achieve a cleaner environment and a more reliable and affordable energy system.

Mass Save: An initiative sponsored by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, works closely to provide a wide range of energy efficiency services to help residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs.

Massachusetts Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is the nation’s oldest grassroots environmental organization. Here in Massachusetts, the chapter has a legacy of protecting the environment with successful legislative, advocacy, and educational campaigns.

Recommendation by USGBC MA

The USGBC Massachusetts Chapter encourages the development of financial structures allowing for the technical capacity of NZEB design and construction. We anticipate the Department of Energy to further identify the social costs and benefits of a NZEB and track the value for commercial and residential buildings. USGBC-MA strives to educate organizations such as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) to overcome any fear factor in planning and executing NZEB in our community. In addition, by involving utility companies, the DOER, BBRS, and municipalities in this process – marketing, education and training, incentives—more companies will be able to understand the value of their investments.

General Statement

The USGBC MA supports the implementation of a revenue-neutral carbon charge to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels in Massachusetts through attaching a price on carbon emissions. Our Chapter encourages professionals to design, construct and operate buildings in a manner that is economically and environmentally sustainable. We support energy efficient design and the ongoing transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Fossil fuel prices do not reflect the consequent societal costs of global warming including impacts to human health, the economy, and the natural environment. A carbon fee and dividend policy is a conservative approach that provides a predictable, steady-rising price on carbon that rewards energy efficiency and helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Background

What is a revenue-neutral carbon pricing?

A carbon price is a charge added to the cost of fossil fuels for the amount of carbon dioxide released to account for the external social, economic, and environmental costs of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Humans burn fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum products to heat our homes and workplaces, fuel transportation and industry, and to generate electricity. Consequently, these activities release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and other GHGs into the atmosphere.

Current greenhouse gas emission reductions set by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 aim for a 25% reduction of 1990 carbon dioxide levels by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050. While initial reports suggested slow progress and an inability to reach these goals, the 2015 update to the Clean Energy and Climate Action plan for 2020 found that with continued effort these goals are achievable. A carbon price should be implemented to further reduce fossil fuel use, ensure the state meets these lofty emission goals, and improve the well-being of communities throughout the state. Long-Term GHG Reductions by Sector*

This bill incents individuals and businesses to reduce fossil fuel use by adding a carbon charge to the wholesale price of each fossil fuel in proportion to the CO2 released as a byproduct. The proceeds of the proposed pricing structure are credited back to residents and employers (private businesses and institutions) to minimize economic impacts. Residents would each receive an equal share with some additional compensation for residents of rural areas due to higher transportation costs. Business and institutions would receive a rebate based on the number of employees with additional compensation allotted to energy-intensive businesses. The pricing structure starts at $10/ton, rising annually by $5/ton until the rate of $40/ton with an evaluation on the merits of the program in year six and thereafter every two years. Since fossil fuels used to generate electricity are already being reduced under a similar incentive program, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), those fuels would be exempt from the program.

Economists from across the political spectrum have agreed that this approach is cost-effective, provides a strong incentive to reduce use, while allowing each consumer the freedom to decide how to reduce their fossil fuel consumption with most benefits accruing to the most energy efficient consumers. Other benefits include less environmental pollution and improvements to human health and associated costs.

The bill was sent to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy on January 23, 2017. Representative Michael J. Barrett has argued that the expected $350 million to $400 million generated in the first year alone will be revenue neutral due to its redistribution of revenues back to the people of Massachusetts. The bill is expected to generate between $1.6 billion and $2 billion annually after roughly seven years of the gradually increased carbon price.

The focus of this bill is to help implement the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 which sets reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions of 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 from a 1990 benchmark. Last year, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling on an appeal, overturned a lower court decision dismissing a lawsuit brought by two conservation groups and four high school students. The SJC decision determined that the MA Department of Environmental Protection had failed to create any emission standards to enforce the law, and compelled the DEP to adopt regulations that will ensure volumetric reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and that those limits decline on an annual basis.

While the objectives and pricing structure of this bill are similar to SD.1821, but there are differences in the initial rate and in the distribution formula of the proceeds.

The carbon pollution fee starts at $20/ton of CO2 emissions and then similarly rises $5 annually until it reaches $40/ton.

20% of the funds would be directed to a Green Infrastructure Fund (GIF) to be used for investments in transportation, resiliency, and clean energy projects that reduce emissions, prepare for global warming impacts and support local economic development.

One-third of the GIF is allocated to municipalities or neighborhoods with income levels in the lowest third of the statewide median income.

85% of the GIF is specifically directed to individual or groups of municipalities and the remaining 15% is directed to energy efficiency projects for rental units to reduce costs for the occupants of these units.

The GIF shall be governed by a Board as established by the legislation and administered by the MA Clean Energy Center funded by no more than 5% of the funds allocated to the GIF.

The remaining 80% is allocated to a greenhouse gas pollution charges fund to be proportionally split between residential (households) and business (employer) sectors in the same proportion as the generation of funds.

The residential funds are allocated as follows.

Initially, 25% is divided as follows:

10% of the residential funds goes to the bottom fifth of households based on median income,

10% to the second fifth and

5% to the middle fifth.

The remaining 75% is proportionally split between fuel used for transportation and fuel used for heating.

Rural households travel more miles and lack access to mass transit, Therefore, rural households get a 30% larger rebate from the portion of household funds derived from vehicle fuel.

Similarly, 10% of the funds derived from sales of residential heating fuels goes into the state’s fuel assistance program for low-income households.

All residential funds are distributed equally to each adult in MA and each minor allotted half of the adult rebate.

Within 3 years, the DOER is to determine the significance of emissions occurring during extraction, refining, processing, transportation, and disposal should be subject to the fee and report these findings to the legislature.

The business sector funds are distributed on the basis of the number of full-time equivalent employees in MA. The DOR is authorized to proportionally adjust the distribution as may be needed to mitigate energy intensive business sectors or sub-sectors.

Emissions from farm animals and crops, public mass transportation, and production of electricity are exempt.

Complexities

Studies found that the overall impacts of similar legislation would lead to positive economic and job growth in the State, in addition to reducing the CO2 emissions drastically. Regional Economic Metrics, Inc (REMI): In July 2013, an economic study was prepared by REMI, which examined the complex interrelationships between energy, the environment, and the economy. Most households would be compensated and most businesses would be relatively unaffected. However, the construction industry has a relatively high ranking with 4.5% energy costs as a percentage of overall expenses and may experience greater costs from the proposed bill. While this may be a necessity of reducing climate change, companies will need to face in order to transform their negative environmental impact into more energy efficient and clean alternatives.

Recommendation by USGBC MA

The USGBC Massachusetts Chapter believes that the state government should take a leadership role in the United States by supporting carbon fees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Both S.1821 and H.1726 provide frameworks for revenue-neutral carbon fees that have been shown to contribute to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008. We will continue to work with our colleagues in the building, environmental, and allied communities to advance these legislative initiatives.

We are currently developing draft letters to be sent to legislators in support of NZEB legislation. Please take a moment to look at the below document and send any comments or suggestions to [email protected].

General Statement

The December 2016 Climate Ready Boston Final Report found that even with moderate emission reductions there is a significant chance that sea levels rise at least 3 feet by the end of the century (and if we kept our emissions at exactly today’s levels there would still be a 15% chance that sea levels rise at least 7.4 feet). The first of these estimates would expose thousands of buildings to consistent flooding and lead to billions in annualized losses by the 2070s. Clearly, effective and immediate climate adaptation policies must be implemented to prevent such devastation to the wellbeing of the Commonwealth. That is why we at USGBC MA focus on advocating for and promoting legislation to help mitigate and adapt to the expected environmental problems to come.

Background

As defined by the US EPA, climate adaptation “refers to the adjustments that societies or ecosystems make to limit the negative effects of climate change or to take advantage of opportunities provided by a changing climate.” These impacts and consequences of climate change are quite real and are currently being experienced throughout the world. This image from the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report depicts how much of downtown Boston, MA will be underwater by 2100 if we continue to pollute as we do now. Major strategies that stakeholders in the planning, architecture and building engineering communities can take to adapt to climate impacts include designing buildings and structures to use energy and water more wisely, minimize damage from flooding events, and support community-wide resilience strategies.

Climate mitigation, or acting to limit the impacts of climate change (such as through reduced emissions), must continue as we adapt to the changes we face today. Effective integration of adaptation and mitigation strategies are critical to the success of Massachusett’s state’s policies.

Primary Legislation

Bill S. 472: An Act providing for the establishment of a comprehensive adaptation management plan in response to climate change – (Sponsored by Marc R. Pacheco and 21 others) This legislation will require the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to create and continually update a state adaptation and mitigation plan. The plan will seek to ensure “effective prioritization for the resiliency, preservation, protection, restoration and enhancement of the commonwealth’s built and natural infrastructure.” To guide the development and execution of the plan, the Act will create a 21-person advisory commission made up of representatives from government agencies and non-profit organizations, experts from affected sectors (including the commercial and residential building industry) and those with experience in local government, economic development, and the sciences. Furthermore, the Act creates a grant program for regional planning agencies to refine and facilitate adaptation actions in their communities and also creates a fund to purchase and repurpose vulnerable coastal properties.

Bill S. 479: An Act relative to 2030 and 2040 emissions benchmarks – (Sponsored by Marc R. Pacheco and 16 others) This bill will create 2030 and 2040 GHG emission benchmarks based on detailed modeling analysis of the grid to be completed by December 2020. Interim emissions limits would be established in 2030 at 35-45% below 1990 levels and raised in 2040 to 55-65% below 1990 levels. This will set the Commonwealth on a stable course towards 80% reductions by 2050 as per the 2008 The Global Warming Solutions Act.

Climate Change Adaptation Coalition: Learn from and support a group of engineers, architects, planners, and conservation and environmental organizations working to reduce our vulnerability to the impacts of climate change

Recommendation by USGBC MA

The USGBC Massachusetts Chapter believes that the state government should take a holistic and considered approach to planning for and helping communities adapt to climate change impacts. S. 472 provides the necessary framework for the Commonwealth to chart a course for Massachusetts communities and stakeholders to better understand their climate vulnerabilities and what measures they can implement to avoid the worst impacts while enhancing their economic and environmental resilience. We look forward to working with our colleagues in the building, environmental, and allied communities to advance this bill to the signature.

At the National level, we participate with the USGBC on a variety of campaigns. This includes supporting LEED as a system for enhancing the value of buildings, supporting the evolution of the LEED rating system, and engaging with industry stakeholders to facilitate our vision of green buildings for everyone within a generation. USGBC advances green building worldwide and we marshal the collective voice of our members and stakeholders to do just that in Massachusetts. Check out the USGBC Public Policy Library for more information federal, state and local level green building policies.

We encourage our members to connect with legislators and policymakers to support:

Government leadership by example

All levels of government understand the need to promote green building policy and energy efficiency. Their leadership has repeatedly resulted in saving taxpayer dollars, saving resources and energy, creating and expanding job opportunities, and driving investment in the broader building industry. The government can lead the way towards a sustainable built environment and prosperous future.

USGBC raises the bar on green building codes and regulations through local, regional, and national building standards and policy creation. We excel at aligning baseline building code with above-code green building certification using LEED to promote constant improvement.

Green building policy requires a systematic approach to sustainability. From effects on local waterways to toxic materials to global warming, the community must incorporate all aspects into their policy decisions and understanding. This not only enables economic growth but also provides opportunities to develop skills in green construction and environmental sustainability while promoting a prosperous and stable future.